TNR Exclusive
Munish Sood
Mandi
A proud moment for Himachal Pradesh as Arya Shri, a student of Minerva Senior Secondary School, Ghumarwin, secured second position at the national level in a prestigious essay competition organised during the NAMO Book Festival and GEN V Fest 2026 held at the Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.
The two-day national event, held on January 16 and 17, 2026, was organised by the Council for Media and Public Policy Research (CMPPR) and brought together leading policymakers, authors, scholars and students from across the country.
Arya Shri, daughter of Vishal Nadda, was selected among the top 75 young writers from thousands of students across India for her essay on the theme “How My India Will Become a Developed Nation by 2047 and My Role in It.” Her article was adjudged second best in the country and has been published in a special anthology titled “Bachchon Ki Mann Ki Baat Modi Ji Ke Saath.”
She was honoured on stage during the book release ceremony in the presence of eminent personalities including senior journalist Ashok Shrivastava, MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi Government Minister Ashish Sood, Pilot Rakesh Tyagi (President, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal) and noted film producer Vipul Shah. The book will also be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A National Platform for Young India’s Voice
The NAMO Book Festival 2026, held alongside the GEN V Fest, emerged as a major national platform celebrating youth ideas, books and nation-building narratives. The festival witnessed participation from:
• Over 800 students from 30 colleges
• More than 200 schools
• Over 10,000 visitors
• More than 40 prominent authors, diplomats and policy experts
More than 450 books on Prime Minister Modi’s life, leadership and governance were showcased across 10 thematic categories.
GEN V Fest: Reimagining India’s Gen Z as Nation Builders
A major highlight of the first day was the launch of the GEN V Festival, which redefines India’s youth as Generation V — the Viksit Bharat Generation. The concept positions young Indians as long-term nation builders focused on development, innovation and responsibility.
The inauguration was led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, while the GEN V Fest was launched by Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh.
Intellectual Dialogues and Policy Conversations
The two-day festival featured high-profile discussions on culture, national security, diplomacy, governance and economics.
Key sessions included:
• “Modi & Cultural Renaissance” featuring Acharya Pramod Krishnam, Francois Gautier, Sachchidanand Joshi and Sadhvi Pragya Bharati
• National security dialogue with Aditya Raj Kaul, Anshul Saxena and Major (Retd.) Gaurav Arya
• Diplomacy panel with former ambassadors Pankaj Saran and Ruchira Kamboj
• Governance and economics sessions with Maria Wirth, Salvatore Babones, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and Gautam Chikermane
Australian author Salvatore Babones also unveiled his latest book on Prime Minister Modi, adding an international dimension to the festival.
Youth at the Centre of India’s 2047 Vision
The concluding day featured the launch of the student anthology that includes Arya Shri’s award-winning essay. The book reflects the aspirations of young India and highlights the role of students in shaping a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Sessions on scientific research, innovation, employability and skill development were addressed by:
• Shivkumar Kalyanaram, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation
• Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, National Skill Development Corporation
Himachal’s Rising Star
Arya Shri’s national recognition has brought laurels to Ghumarwin and Himachal Pradesh, underlining the growing intellectual contribution of students from hill states to India’s development discourse.
Her achievement stands as a powerful example of how small-town students are shaping big national ideas — and how India’s next generation is ready to lead the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
